Red-hot Onuachu, others up for glory as organizers release list of nominees for the Ballers Awards
The 2nd edition of the Ballers Awards is here again and it promises to be bigger and better. The Ballers Awards aim to honour and appreciate exemplary achievements of Nigerian footballers for their exploits in the preceding year.
A nomination reveal show for this year’s edition was done on 21 January, 2021 hosted by Emmanuel Sabastine and Bellarose Okojie. The show unwrapped names of nominees for the various categories and is available for streaming on all Naijafootballers social media platforms and HIP TV.
The Ballers Awards consist of 10 keenly contested categories. Winners will receive a beautiful award plaque. Below are the categories and the nominees:
Revelation of the year
Maduka Okoye
Noni Madueke
Tolu Arokodare
Zaidu sanusi
Goalkeeper of the year
Daniel Akpeyi
Maduka Okoye
Matthew Yakubu
Defender of the year
Leon Balogun
Zaidu Sanusi
Ola Aina
Chigozie Awaziem
Midfielder of the year
Joe Aribo
Frank Onyeka
Wilfred Ndidi
Mikel Obi
Forward of the Year
Paul Onuachu
Victor Osimhen
Simy Nwankwo
Junior Ajayi
Baller of the Year (Male)
Paul Onuachu
Victor Osimhen
Leon Balogun
Joe Aribo
Baller of the Year (Female)
Asisat Oshoala
Ajibade Rasheedat
Uchenna Kanu
Journalist of the Year
Oma Akatugba
Fisayo Dairo
Oluwashina Okeleji
Debola Adebanjo
Shina Oludare
Olawale Adigun
Solace Chukwu
Coach of the year
Ndubuisi Egbo
Fans’ Favourite Baller Of The Year
Samuel Chukwueze
Victor Osimhen
Ahmed Musa
Paul Onuachu
Asisat Oshoala
Maduka Okoye
Odion Ighalo
John Ogu
Wilfred Ndidi
Mikel Obi
Industry Icon of the year award
Group Managing Director at Complete Communications Limited, Dr. Mumini Alao for his immense contribution towards sports journalism over the years.
*The fan favorite footballer and the journalist of the year category winner will be decided by inputs from public votes while winners in other categories will be chosen by a jury consisting of seasoned journalists and football administrators including Deji Omotoyinbo, Chisom Mbonu-Ezeoke, Emeka Enyadike, Florence Omagbemi, Segun Agbede, Koye Sowemimo, Akinbode Oguntuyi, Colin Udoh and Edafe Mathew Eseoghene.
*Voting for the public nominations opened from 21st January 2021 and will be closed on 1st February 2021. Winners will be revealed on 7th February 2021 at the Ballers Awards ceremony which will be held by virtual means due to COVID 19 protocols. It will be streamed live on select TV stations and online.
The award ceremony will be hosted by popular on-air personality and broadcast journalist Nedu Wazobia. A string of other celebrities will also feature at the ceremony.
Last year high-profile attendees at the ceremony included Vice President of the Nigerian Football Federation, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, Ex-Super Eagles player, Mutiu Adepoju, Super Falcons captian Onome Ebi, Ex- Super Eagles Media officer Toyin Ibitoye, Sports Media veterans and icons like Deji Omotoyinbo, Segun Agbede, Akinbode Oguntuyi, Oluwashina Okeleji amongst others.
